Jack Wilshere v Neymar: comparing England and Brazil's golden boys

England welcome the samba stars to Wembley and there are two players who will be on everyone's radar: Jack Wilshere and Neymar. Both are their nation's golden boys so talkSPORT has lined them up to look at the Arsenal ace and the Santos star, who England stopper Phil Jagielka claims to know nothing about.

Jack Wilshere
Wilshere has been at Arsenal since he was nine and was a key part of the Gunners' 2009 FA Youth Cup winning side, scoring in the first leg of the final, which Arsenal won 4-1. After spending time on loan at Bolton for the second half of the 2009/10 season, he made his breakthrough at the Emirates the following campaign and the 19-year-old was rewarded for his classy performances when he was named the PFA's Young Player of the Year for 2011 in April. However, injury ruled him out of the entire 2011/12 season.

Strengths
Many believe he is the future of both Arsenal and England, with former Gooner Liam Brady telling talkSPORT he believes he will be in the same class as Paul Gascoigne and Glenn Hoddle when he retires. He is a menace to any opposition and since breaking through as a teenager, has shown the type of composure that belies his age. Wilshere always wants the ball and seems to always find space for himself, while having the awareness to stay a step ahead of his marker. His vision and passing can unlock any defence.

Highlights
Prior to picking up his PFA gong, Wilshere made his full England debut in their 2-1 win in Denmark in February 2011. He showed all the talents, which persuaded Fabio Capello to pick him during his 45-minute appearance, having appeared for a few minutes a year earlier against Hungary when he was just 18. He also earned rave reviews playing against Barcelona when, shirt colours aside, he was indistinguishable from Xavi, Iniesta and co.

What is being said?
“He’s a leader. When you watch Arsenal, they give him the ball to make things happen. He’s leading the team now.”- Former Arsenal player Liam Brady

“He will be England captain one day”- Former England manager Fabio Capello

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Neymar
Europe's biggest clubs including Barcelona, Man City and Chelsea have been courting the Brazil and Santos starlet for years with figures of £40m and £50m being banded about. Since breaking through at Santos in 2009 when he was just 17, he has been compared to Brazil legend Pele, a former Santos player himself and by the time he was 20, Neymar had 100 club goals to his name.

Strengths
Despite his slight frame, the Santos no.11 is incredibly strong and is rarely injured, though some of the tougher defenders in Brazilian football do their best to test his resolve. In addition, Neymar is renowned for his dribbling, pace and deadly finishing, while he is also capable of playing on the wing as well as through the middle. Absolutely electrifying to watch when at his best, he had thousands including Pele and his hero Romario pleading with former national manager Dunga to take him to the World Cup on account of his mercurial talents. Similarly to Wilshere, Neymar has not let his small stature hinder his career.

Highlights
There have been many including the goal against Flamengo that won him the 2011 Puskas Award, a year he also helped Santos to the Copa Libertadores where he scored against Penarol in the final. He has also collected the Sao Paulo State Championship for the last three consecutive years, while his international record is hugely impressive. As of 06/02/13 he has scored 17 times in 27 appearances for Brazil.

What is being said?
“Messi is the best in the world, and one day Neymar will be the best” - Brazil team-mate Ronaldinho

“He has to change his game a little bit when he plays away from Brazil. The game is different. In Brazil he gets the ball with a lot of time, but in Europe it won’t be like that. He’ll have to think first and then get the ball.” - Former Brazil and Boro star JuninhoVideo:

Who are you looking forward to watching? Will Jack Wilshere be an England great in the future? Where do you think Neymar will end up?

Remember, for live and uninterrupted coverage of England v Brazil, listen to talkSPORT on 1089/1053AM from 7pm